tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32546 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Two large professional groups recently held annual meetings that featured a number of presentations about acupuncture and CAM topics. The American Public Health Association, the oldest and most respected public health group in the U.S., and the Gerontological Society of America, a multidisciplinary group of professionals in the field of aging, are both part of a growing trend that recognizes the importance of integrative approaches to health care. We attended these meetings and want to share and summarize our experience with Acupuncture Today readers, as well as provide links to getting further information.

By Beth Sommers, PhD, MPH, LAc and Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc Two large professional groups recently held annual meetings that featured a number of presentations about acupuncture and CAM topics. The American Public Health Association, the oldest and most respected public health group in the U.S., and the Gerontological Society of America, a multidisciplinary group of professionals in the field of aging, are both part of a growing trend that recognizes the importance of integrative approaches to health care. We attended these meetings and want to share and summarize our experience with Acupuncture Today readers, as well as provide links to getting further information. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32545 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Wind is a philosophical representation of change in the Chinese classics. It is also acknowledged as the root of all physiological disturbance. It is stated in chapter 3 of the Su Wen that wind is "the cause of hundreds of diseases."

By Nicholas Sieben, LAc Wind is a philosophical representation of change in the Chinese classics. It is also acknowledged as the root of all physiological disturbance. It is stated in chapter 3 of the Su Wen that wind is "the cause of hundreds of diseases." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32544 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Our country is struggling to reduce the cost of healthcare while simultaneously improving its quality and accessibility. I see a partial solution: use Chinese medicine in Western healthcare settings. There are many ways to do this; in fact, in-hospital acupuncture is used across the United States. To effectively reduce cost and uniquely add quality to care, however, I propose employing traditional Chinese medicine in hospital emergency departments.

By Nancy Post, MAc, PhD Our country is struggling to reduce the cost of healthcare while simultaneously improving its quality and accessibility. I see a partial solution: use Chinese medicine in Western healthcare settings. There are many ways to do this; in fact, in-hospital acupuncture is used across the United States. To effectively reduce cost and uniquely add quality to care, however, I propose employing traditional Chinese medicine in hospital emergency departments. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32543 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Most professions have discourse about the "professional." Merriam Webster's dictionary defines professions as "a: a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation b: a principal calling, vocation, or employment c: the whole body of persons engaged in a calling." Professions define themselves in part by excluding others. I would like to briefly explore professionalism in Chinese medicine. These ideas are presented as points of dialogue and consideration for graduate courses and continuing education programs on these subjects.

By William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc Most professions have discourse about the "professional." Merriam Webster's dictionary defines professions as "a: a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation b: a principal calling, vocation, or employment c: the whole body of persons engaged in a calling." Professions define themselves in part by excluding others. I would like to briefly explore professionalism in Chinese medicine. These ideas are presented as points of dialogue and consideration for graduate courses and continuing education programs on these subjects. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32541 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Spring is the time to revitalize and get moving, but also a time to improve our immune systems so that we can avoid wind-caused health conditions that often proliferate during this season. One way to start is to begin each day with a congee to tonify digestion and thereby help improve our immune function.

By Martha Lucas, PhD, LAc Spring is the time to revitalize and get moving, but also a time to improve our immune systems so that we can avoid wind-caused health conditions that often proliferate during this season. One way to start is to begin each day with a congee to tonify digestion and thereby help improve our immune function. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32540 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Are you treating health conditions related to or affected by love? This past November I taught at the Pacific Symposium, a large educational conference put on for our industry by the Pacific College in San Diego, Calif. I presented an evening keynote titled "The Capacity and Function of Loving" during which I explored definitions of love based upon contemporary research in such areas as the human limbic system, neurochemistry, evolutionary and contemporary psychology as well as multifaceted descriptions from our medicine's history and theoretical constructs.

By Felice Dunas, PhD Are you treating health conditions related to or affected by love? This past November I taught at the Pacific Symposium, a large educational conference put on for our industry by the Pacific College in San Diego, Calif. I presented an evening keynote titled "The Capacity and Function of Loving" during which I explored definitions of love based upon contemporary research in such areas as the human limbic system, neurochemistry, evolutionary and contemporary psychology as well as multifaceted descriptions from our medicine's history and theoretical constructs. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32539 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

To the acupuncture community, Dr. Shi Xue-Min is known as a distinguished acupuncturist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a supervisor of doctoral candidates in China. Dr. Shi Xue-Min is particularly known for his creation of the stroke acupuncture technique Xing Nao Kai Qiao (XNKQ), which is translated as "activating the brain and opening the orifices." During the Chinese Revolution, he was among a few who survived in his position. After establishing The First Teaching Hospital University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Tianjin, China, Dr. Shi's leadership allowed the hospital to grow to an astounding degree, from 200 beds to 2,000 beds.

By Jing Liu, OMD, LAc, PhD and Kun Liu, LAc To the acupuncture community, Dr. Shi Xue-Min is known as a distinguished acupuncturist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a supervisor of doctoral candidates in China. Dr. Shi Xue-Min is particularly known for his creation of the stroke acupuncture technique Xing Nao Kai Qiao (XNKQ), which is translated as "activating the brain and opening the orifices." During the Chinese Revolution, he was among a few who survived in his position. After establishing The First Teaching Hospital University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Tianjin, China, Dr. Shi's leadership allowed the hospital to grow to an astounding degree, from 200 beds to 2,000 beds. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32538 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I have been receiving inquiries about the new codes for ICD10. When do they begin and how much of a change will they be?

By Samuel A. Collins Recently, I have been receiving inquiries about the new codes for ICD10. When do they begin and how much of a change will they be? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32537 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

The decision by AAAOM to postpone its annual membership conference for one year was a difficult one. But, the Board believes that it will better serve the profession to instead convene leadership member groups in Spring 2012 that will focus on the short and long-term health of the association. It's no secret that AAAOM is working tirelessly to renew and strengthen itself during these extended economic struggles. It is indeed redefining and transitioning its leadership as the landscape of AOM in America undergoes consistent change and evolution. Thus, this meeting, to be held April 27 – 29, 2012, in Wheeling, Chicago, offers a great opportunity to continue to advance these efforts for the organization.

By AAAOM Staff The decision by AAAOM to postpone its annual membership conference for one year was a difficult one. But, the Board believes that it will better serve the profession to instead convene leadership member groups in Spring 2012 that will focus on the short and long-term health of the association. It's no secret that AAAOM is working tirelessly to renew and strengthen itself during these extended economic struggles. It is indeed redefining and transitioning its leadership as the landscape of AOM in America undergoes consistent change and evolution. Thus, this meeting, to be held April 27 – 29, 2012, in Wheeling, Chicago, offers a great opportunity to continue to advance these efforts for the organization. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32536 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

There are lots of applications and devices out there for the acupuncturist-on-the-go. From general phone apps to help you get organized, to more specific apps made for acupuncturists and students of TCM, we'll take a look at some that can help make your job a little easier. Please note: a lot of this information is about iPhone and iPad apps. I do not work for Apple; I just like their products. You can also find PC versions and Android apps.

By Denise Cicuto, LAc There are lots of applications and devices out there for the acupuncturist-on-the-go. From general phone apps to help you get organized, to more specific apps made for acupuncturists and students of TCM, we'll take a look at some that can help make your job a little easier. Please note: a lot of this information is about iPhone and iPad apps. I do not work for Apple; I just like their products. You can also find PC versions and Android apps. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32534 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Performance enhancement depends upon creating an optimal environment for training to occur. Here we are addressing going beyond the physiological factors of training into the synergistic variables that are considered part of a dynamic relationship with our environment. Career longevity in most sports is dependent upon preventing chronic injuries. Currently, in the sports medicine arena, injury prevention is implemented purely from a physiological perspective.

By Ronda Wimmer, PhD, MS, LAc, ATC, CSCS, CSMS, SPS Performance enhancement depends upon creating an optimal environment for training to occur. Here we are addressing going beyond the physiological factors of training into the synergistic variables that are considered part of a dynamic relationship with our environment. Career longevity in most sports is dependent upon preventing chronic injuries. Currently, in the sports medicine arena, injury prevention is implemented purely from a physiological perspective. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32533 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my previous column, I presented two case studies using modification of Golden Chamber (Jin Gui Yao Lue) formulas to assuage physical pain. I will continue this exploration of classical formula modifications by using a Golden Chamber formula modification to treat emotional/psychological "pain." The unique feature of both case studies is that both patients received substantial benefit from a simple modification of a classical formula after having minimal clinical benefit from a common TCM patent formula.

By Craig Williams, LAc, AHG In my previous column, I presented two case studies using modification of Golden Chamber (Jin Gui Yao Lue) formulas to assuage physical pain. I will continue this exploration of classical formula modifications by using a Golden Chamber formula modification to treat emotional/psychological "pain." The unique feature of both case studies is that both patients received substantial benefit from a simple modification of a classical formula after having minimal clinical benefit from a common TCM patent formula. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32532 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my last article, I wrote about overeating, obesity and its environmental impact. I'd like to expand on this topic with a short interview from one of our leading environmental activists - Laurie David. Laurie is best known as the producer on "An Inconvenient Truth," the academy award-winning documentary featuring Al Gore.

By Gregg St. Clair, BA, MSTOM, LAc In my last article, I wrote about overeating, obesity and its environmental impact. I'd like to expand on this topic with a short interview from one of our leading environmental activists - Laurie David. Laurie is best known as the producer on "An Inconvenient Truth," the academy award-winning documentary featuring Al Gore. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32531 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

At its worst, acute pain can be unimaginably intense and stressful, and chronic pain can wreck havoc on a person's quality of life. Because pain is such a universal problem Traditional Chinese medical practitioners devote a considerable amount of time treating it. Understanding the powerful psychology involved in the experience of pain, as well as its neurological and biochemical causes is therefore important.

By Bruce H. Robinson, MD, FACS, MSOM (Hon) At its worst, acute pain can be unimaginably intense and stressful, and chronic pain can wreck havoc on a person's quality of life. Because pain is such a universal problem Traditional Chinese medical practitioners devote a considerable amount of time treating it. Understanding the powerful psychology involved in the experience of pain, as well as its neurological and biochemical causes is therefore important. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32530 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

For people living with Parkinson's disease, the future is full of obstacles and uncertainty. This is the sole reason the second most prevalent neuro-degenerative disease that affects about 1 million people in the U.S., and 5 million worldwide has researchers constantly on the hunt for not only a cure, but also a way to improve the quality of life for patients.

By Brenda Duran, Senior Associate Editor For people living with Parkinson's disease, the future is full of obstacles and uncertainty. This is the sole reason the second most prevalent neuro-degenerative disease that affects about 1 million people in the U.S., and 5 million worldwide has researchers constantly on the hunt for not only a cure, but also a way to improve the quality of life for patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32529 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

The year of the Dragon is here. As fierce, mystical and wonderful as the dragon may be - 2011 was very exciting. Here is a recap, along with latest happenings in the profession.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor-at-Large The year of the Dragon is here. As fierce, mystical and wonderful as the dragon may be - 2011 was very exciting. Here is a recap, along with latest happenings in the profession. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32527 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Liver, belonging to the Wood Element, is associated with the season of Spring. The powers of Spring include birth, growth, regeneration, vision, activity, forward movement, upward direction, vitality, optimism and hope. Spring does not arrive with subtlety. It bursts out – violently and forcefully. Its strength can be seen in the force of a lone dandelion bursting though a crack in a cement sidewalk.

By Neil Gumenick, MAc (UK), LAc, Dipl. Ac The Liver, belonging to the Wood Element, is associated with the season of Spring. The powers of Spring include birth, growth, regeneration, vision, activity, forward movement, upward direction, vitality, optimism and hope. Spring does not arrive with subtlety. It bursts out – violently and forcefully. Its strength can be seen in the force of a lone dandelion bursting though a crack in a cement sidewalk. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32526 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Many of you treat children -- at least your own children. You might treat a relative's or neighbor's child too. It's one thing to treat a child you know, but how do you approach and treat a child that's not your own? What do you do when things don't go smoothly? How do you handle children or parents that are non-compliant or difficult to work with? There are plenty of resources available on how to treat the pediatric health conditions, so here are some ideas on how to handle the practical aspects of pediatric acupuncture practice.

By Robin Green, MTCM, LAc Many of you treat children -- at least your own children. You might treat a relative's or neighbor's child too. It's one thing to treat a child you know, but how do you approach and treat a child that's not your own? What do you do when things don't go smoothly? How do you handle children or parents that are non-compliant or difficult to work with? There are plenty of resources available on how to treat the pediatric health conditions, so here are some ideas on how to handle the practical aspects of pediatric acupuncture practice. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32524 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Hemorrhoids are characterized by inflammation and edema of the vessels surrounding the anus and rectum. It is a common condition effecting millions of people all around the world. Hemorrhoids typically are caused by the effort to evacuate stool, pregnancy, chronic constipation or a low fiber diet. We can classify the hemorrhoid by its localization: Internal (inside the anus) and external (outside of the anus). Main symptoms include: pain upon evacuation, anal burning, anal itching and anal bleeding or any combination of these.

By Ana-Carolina Beth, LAc Hemorrhoids are characterized by inflammation and edema of the vessels surrounding the anus and rectum. It is a common condition effecting millions of people all around the world. Hemorrhoids typically are caused by the effort to evacuate stool, pregnancy, chronic constipation or a low fiber diet. We can classify the hemorrhoid by its localization: Internal (inside the anus) and external (outside of the anus). Main symptoms include: pain upon evacuation, anal burning, anal itching and anal bleeding or any combination of these. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32522 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

The average acupuncture practice in the United States is changing. The trend of acupuncturists adding new products and services to their practice continues to rise at a fast pace.

By Editorial Staff The average acupuncture practice in the United States is changing. The trend of acupuncturists adding new products and services to their practice continues to rise at a fast pace. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32521 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Wellness, health, longevity and happiness are endless and eternal topics in our life. They are the fundamental questions in human wellnessiology, too. In the modern world, human beings are paying more and more attention to material wealth and less and less to wellness and health, because some of them believe that the money they have made can buy health once they are sick.

By Harmony Heming Zhu Wellness, health, longevity and happiness are endless and eternal topics in our life. They are the fundamental questions in human wellnessiology, too. In the modern world, human beings are paying more and more attention to material wealth and less and less to wellness and health, because some of them believe that the money they have made can buy health once they are sick. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32520 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

With regard to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are many possible TCM patterns that correspond to the Western diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (eczema).

By Diana Hermann, LAc With regard to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are many possible TCM patterns that correspond to the Western diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (eczema). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32518 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

In the past decade acupuncture's position at the public health table has expanded significantly. The American Public Health Association has continued to sponsor a special interest group on alternative and complementary approaches to health, with many of the group's leaders being acupuncturists or others involved in Asian medicine. On an international level, the vision of exploring synergies between public health and acupuncture is being addressed by colleagues in Australia who founded a group called Network of Researchers in the Public Health of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NORPHCAM).

By Beth Sommers, PhD, MPH, LAc and Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc In the past decade acupuncture's position at the public health table has expanded significantly. The American Public Health Association has continued to sponsor a special interest group on alternative and complementary approaches to health, with many of the group's leaders being acupuncturists or others involved in Asian medicine. On an international level, the vision of exploring synergies between public health and acupuncture is being addressed by colleagues in Australia who founded a group called Network of Researchers in the Public Health of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NORPHCAM). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32517 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

The philosopher was given great respect within classical Chinese culture. The Dao De Jing has many passages extolling the virtues of the "philosopher king." The same was true within medicine. It is not enough to look at things in their literal sense: the Nei Jing asks a bit more from us than that. Much of the classical texts are written in code, using philosophical metaphor to present their wisdom.

By Nicholas Sieben, LAc The philosopher was given great respect within classical Chinese culture. The Dao De Jing has many passages extolling the virtues of the "philosopher king." The same was true within medicine. It is not enough to look at things in their literal sense: the Nei Jing asks a bit more from us than that. Much of the classical texts are written in code, using philosophical metaphor to present their wisdom. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32516 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

When treating personal injury or automobile accident cases, good documentation is extremely important for potential legal and liability issues. In a recent review of several hundred acupuncture insurance claims, I found that only a handful of claims had adequate records. Most did not. The problems included illegible records, incomplete or unclear treatment notes and billing for services not supported by the documentation.

By Steven Schram, PhD, DC, LAc When treating personal injury or automobile accident cases, good documentation is extremely important for potential legal and liability issues. In a recent review of several hundred acupuncture insurance claims, I found that only a handful of claims had adequate records. Most did not. The problems included illegible records, incomplete or unclear treatment notes and billing for services not supported by the documentation. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32515 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

The terms, neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, are becoming more and more popular. Often it is loosely used without much specificity for what is actually being referred to. For the intent of this article, I will define plasticity as the overall phenomenon of the central nervous system's ability to self-correct, change and grow from infancy to old age.

By Andrew Rader, LAc, MS The terms, neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, are becoming more and more popular. Often it is loosely used without much specificity for what is actually being referred to. For the intent of this article, I will define plasticity as the overall phenomenon of the central nervous system's ability to self-correct, change and grow from infancy to old age. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32514 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

I would like to explore the title of doctor, its historical use and impact upon programs and policy. It is time that people entering the AOM field, putting in four years of effort and often times the better part of $100,000 earn the title of doctor. So, let's take a closer look at what exactly that title means and whether doctorates fit into the world of AOM.

By William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc I would like to explore the title of doctor, its historical use and impact upon programs and policy. It is time that people entering the AOM field, putting in four years of effort and often times the better part of $100,000 earn the title of doctor. So, let's take a closer look at what exactly that title means and whether doctorates fit into the world of AOM. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32505 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

One of my absolute all time favorite acupuncture techniques, which I have used for many years with startling clinical response, involves the relationship of the anterior abdominal Kidney meridian to the Hua Tuo Jiaji points located over the lamina of the vertebrae. Even though these two pathways are directly opposite of each other one being on the anterior and the other on the posterior body, it is this fact that makes it such a viable treatment option in a multitude of health conditions either visceral or musculoskeletal.

By John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl. Ac.(NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac.(IAMA) One of my absolute all time favorite acupuncture techniques, which I have used for many years with startling clinical response, involves the relationship of the anterior abdominal Kidney meridian to the Hua Tuo Jiaji points located over the lamina of the vertebrae. Even though these two pathways are directly opposite of each other one being on the anterior and the other on the posterior body, it is this fact that makes it such a viable treatment option in a multitude of health conditions either visceral or musculoskeletal. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32504 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

An interdisciplinary model of care is an ideal situation for practitioners and patients. Many in healthcare believe that this is the model that must be utilized to maximize patient care. According to recent research, the lack of communication has resulted in 70 percent of the adverse affects of a patient.

By Alfie Vente, RMT, D. Ac (Cand.) An interdisciplinary model of care is an ideal situation for practitioners and patients. Many in healthcare believe that this is the model that must be utilized to maximize patient care. According to recent research, the lack of communication has resulted in 70 percent of the adverse affects of a patient. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32501 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

One of my long-term fibromyalgia patients told me that a doctor had referred her to acupuncture a few years before she came to see me. She told me she waited because she felt so ignorant about the subject that she didn't know what to ask at an appointment.

By Bonnie Koenig, LAc One of my long-term fibromyalgia patients told me that a doctor had referred her to acupuncture a few years before she came to see me. She told me she waited because she felt so ignorant about the subject that she didn't know what to ask at an appointment.